The Royle Family

Did you read the title and think that I had spelt Royal wrong?

You did?

Gotcha.

The Royle Family was a typical English comedy series. Well typical of today. It is an irreverent slice of family live for the fictional Royle Family, who may represent certain modern British families.

No longer being made The Royle's can often be seen on digital channels or as the occasional re-run.

The regular cast and characters were:-

• Caroline Aherne as Denise Royle/Best
• Sue Johnston as Barbara Royle
• Ricky Tomlinson as Jim Royle
• Ralf Little as Antony Royle
• Liz Smith as Norma Speakman
• Craig Cash as Dave Best
• Doreen Keogh as Mary Carroll
• Peter Martin as Joe Carroll
• Jessica Stevenson as Cheryl Carroll
• Geoffrey Hughes as Twiggy
• Sheridan Smith as Emma Kavanagh
• Andrew Whyment as Darren Sinclair-Jones
• Matthew Hughes as Baby David
• James Hughes as Baby David

Most of the action, if I can call it that, in The Royle Family takes place in the family living room. This rather down to earth Northern family are usually all sat gathered around the television set.

The head of the household Jim Royle likes to share his toilet habits with the rest of his family, breaking wind when the urge takes him and detailing his bowel movements. Jim was responsible for what became a national catchphrase, namely My Arse.

All of this may sound decidedly unfunny and boring but you are wrong to think that.

You need to experience The Royle's to ultimately decide. I was amazed when my mother-in-law a few years ago watched the Royles at Christmas. My Mum-in-law was somewhat of a prude and never tolerated bad language or overtly sexy shows. I was amazed as she loved The Royle Family.

The show's writers Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash captured so much that is funny about an ordinary working class family's daily life. The show had its poignant and sad moments but on the whole laughter was the order of the day.

As I have already written in this hub sadly The Royle Family is no longer being made. Watch as repeats, on Youtube or treat yourself to one of the DVDs.

The Royle Family was a groundbreaking English comedy show that is widely missed.